Grace wiped her cheeks and smiled at him. “I know just how to do that.”
He let her lead him up the stairs, dinner completely forgotten.
They celebrated until neither of them could move. Eventually, Caleb warmed up dinner, and they ate in bed. Her smile making his life complete.
This was where he was staying. They’d build this house into a home, maybe add a few kids, and they’d be together, for now and forever.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Toni Denise writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense filled with protective heroes, strong heroines, and plenty of heart. Based in Virginia, she shares life with her husband, four kids, and two dogs, who keep things busy and fun. When she’s not writing, Toni can usually be found juggling family chaos or sneaking in a quiet moment with a good book.
If you want to read more about these characters, you can find them in herFinding Loveseries at tonidenisebooks.com. While you’re there, don’t forget to sign up for her newsletter to get a free book and exclusive updates.
FROZEN LEATHER
BY GRACIN SAWYER
Sara Monroe thought she could outrun her past.
A bad relationship, a shattered reputation, and a town full of whispers drove her up a snow-covered mountain road with no plan and no destination, just the desperate need to escape.
When a brutal storm strands her in the middle of nowhere, she’s certain no one will come… until Lucas “Dice” Callahan finds her.
Lucas has fought for his place among the men of the Cardosa Ranch, a family bound by loyalty and secrets. Rescuing Sara isn’t just about doing what’s right, it’s personal. She’s the girl he once thought was untouchable, the one who never saw him.
But Sara’s past isn’t done with her, and danger is closing in.
Snowed in together, sparks ignite. Lucas will do whatever it takes to protect her… even if it means risking everything.
CHAPTER 1
Sara
I didn’t carewhere I was going or what waited for me when I got there. I had no plan. No destination. Just one goal… escape.
Escape my life.
My thoughts.
The whole damn world.
I just wanted it all to end. I wasn’t suicidal, but if I vanished into nothing, I wouldn’t lose sleep over it. It was a mood. A dark, hollow, unshakable mood.
The stereo crackled as I cranked up the volume on my twenty-year-old car. My hands tightened around the steering wheel until my knuckles turned white and my chest ached. I let out a rage scream that a Viking would be proud of. Without thinking, I took the next turn down a snow-packed road. Tire tracks were barely visible under a half-foot of white slush and ice. Maybe I was subconsciously trying to get lost. Maybe I wanted to.
Driving without a care was equally dangerous and freeing. Mountains loomed ahead as if even they were frowning at mychoices. Or daring me to get closer. In my state of mind, I just chuckled and mouthed ‘bet’.
The pavement gave way to dirt, or what I assumed was dirt under the patches of snow, and I began to second guess my decision to run away from life. What was I doing? There wasn’t even cell service out here. If a coyote dragged me into the trees, no one would ever know. The fact that the thought didn’t scare me, didn’t even slow me down… yeah, that told me I was already deeper into this spiral that I’d let myself admit.
Depression was a bitch.
The sun wasn’t far off from setting, even though it was barely three. Winter was also a bitch.
My car wasn’t built for this. I wasn’t built for this. I should’ve turned around, gone home, made cocoa, and doom-scrolled myself into oblivion until my eyes burned and sleep finally claimed me.
But that just made my heart sink.
I was independent. Paid my bills. Changed my own tires and could jumpstart my own car (thanks to the nifty little jump starter probably sliding around in my trunk). I was the one people called for help. The cheerleader. The fixer. But inside? I was drowning in my own head.
